Metro residents should expect very hot and sunny conditions this weekend as temperatures soar to almost 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
High temperatures and abundant sunshine from the weekend are expected to elevate ozone concentrations to unhealthy levels, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
A 24-hour ozone alert was issued Friday afternoon along the Front Range and is expected to last until 4 p.m. Sunday.
Ozone levels reached 116, indicating “unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups” air quality, in Fort Collins on Friday at 7 p.m.
On Saturday afternoon, air quality in Denver and along the Front Range were classified as “moderate.”
Active children and adults and persons with respiratory problems should limit outdoor exposure between the hours of 1 p.m and 11 p.m. today, according to the alert.
Today’s high is expected to reach 99 degrees with winds blowing from the northeast between 5 and 9 mph.
Hot and sunny conditions will continue into Sunday with temperatures nearing 99 degrees.
The Weather Service forecasts slightly stronger winds from the southeast on Sunday, with gusts up to 23 mph that night.
Relief will hit the region tonight and Sunday night as temperatures drop to 68 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid 90s early next week with a slight chance of rain on Tuesday afternoon.
Steve Graff: 303-954-1661 or sgraff@denverpost.com
